Azumayama Park in Ninomiya is a very
recommendable spot for sakura watching. There is no such jam of people as in
Tokyo, and you will be filled with the sensation that the richest moment is in
your hand with the view of Sagami Bay and the city of Odawara through the
full-bloom sakura trees or the wide and comfortable lawn in the park. This is a
true relaxing sakura watching. I come here once in a while on bike and saw
sakura last year, but this time I was with my wife and we took the train. The
standard route is in the west of Ninomiya station, mostly continuous stair slope to the
shrine, but my recommendation is to try Nakazato route from the east side.